Macro lens help please. (1 Viewer)

stevetb

Registered user

• May 2, 2008

• #1

Hi,
Im thinking of buying a macro lens (for a 400D), and am not sure what I need. I would like to take detailed close ups of both plants and animals.
I have ~£300 to spend, so was thinking a 2nd sigma 180? But is this too long? Do I need a tripod and flash?

Thanks if you can help!

 

Roy C

Occasional bird snapper

• May 3, 2008

• #2

The Canon 100 macro is a very good lens. It also takes a 1.4 tc (non Canon) very well with absolute minimum IQ loss, this gives a fairly lightweight 140mm. I use mine in the field with a monopod which I find a lot less restrictive than a tripod.

 

David Smith

Warrington Lancs

• May 3, 2008

• #3

I recently had this dilema and eventually went for the Sigma 150mm.

I didn't want to necessarily use a tripod and I was advised the 180mm was a bit big for hand-held (I never tried it so can't be certain).

The 150mm has continuous manual which means you can focus in auto and 'tweak' it manually at any time (sorry if you already new that-I didn't). I find this extremely useful with hand held shots (as with the attached)

It has 3 distance settings which help with fast focus.
I can't compare but would certainly recommend it-I have had such enjoyment from it.

I'm sure a tripod would be useful but I don't use one (my old tripod is too slow and not versatile enough)
I purchased mine from HongKong-brilliant service and quick delivery by Fedex.

 

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Last edited: May 3, 2008

J

JonSadler

Well-known member

• May 7, 2008

• #4

I also have a sigma 150 - it is a terrific lens and it works very well with a 1.4 extender - so you can hang back off the bees, butterflies etc.

Regards
Jon

 

Markulous

Well-known member

• May 9, 2008

• #5

I use the Sigma 105mm and Sigma 150mm (and haven't yet needed a TC). Almost always use a monopod, occasionally a tripod and rarely handheld

Here ya go: Canon 350D + Sigma 105mm

 

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S

studh

Active member

• May 9, 2008

• #6

I use a Sigma 150mm. It's a heavy lens, but a good one. I get the best results when used with a tripod. In the field I use it with a Monopod.
You won't go wrong with this lens.

 

stevetb

Registered user

• May 11, 2008

• #7

Thanks for your help.
I have been researching a bit more, and it seems the 150 may be the way to go.

Cheers.

 

hughredcanary

hugh

• Aug 7, 2008

• #8

What would be the advantage with the Sigma 105mm 1:2.80 DG Macro, and the Sigma 105mm, or the other way round?
Hugh

http://hughsphotoshop.com/

 

Overread

Hunting birds with a canon

• Aug 9, 2008

• #9

huh?
I assume you are asking if there are two sigma 105mm macro lenses - as far as I know sigma make only one 105mm macro prime lens - though they make differnet models of that same lens for different camera bodies (eg sigma nikon and canon)

Sigma prime macros are a very good choice and on par with quality with the brand (canon nikon) macro primes with regard to image quality. The 105 has the disadvantage of not working with sigma teleconverters which is important if you want to boost your focal length - which allows for a greater workind distance (distance from bug to camera sensor) as well as increased background blur and inreased magnification factor (2*TC lets you get double magnification of the sigma) of course you lose in sharpness (though not by very much), speed and light - so additional flash light is definatly needed for TC work.

Out of interest AC how did it go?